I have an idea! I do not know why I have not done this!? We have a great Facebook Page where we post pictures. Let me ask you, would you enjoy my posting of pictures and videos in these Blog posts as well? I can post them and enter a more detailed description in the Blog.
Lenny has amazing abilities and results! Last week's post made me realize short videos and pictures help homeowners understand why and how things are accomplished. Seeing is believing too. It reduces stress created by the "unknown".
Like every professional, it is easy to forget your clients do NOT know what the process is. Isn't that true? I bet, as you go about your work day accomplishing what is "natural" for you, you minimize the skills and importance of the details particular to your services or jobs. We all assume our customers or clients know what we do or are not really interested. However, this is your home, your nest, and most likely, you are going to need to remain living and sleeping in it during the remodeling process.
So, I thought, "Ask the readers!"
Homeowners are shocked when they realize the decisions, selections, and sheer details that need to be discussed , understood, and accepted in the contract phase. I hope to create clarity and calm for you as you transition into the Demo Phase. Let's begin with some basics. We will post follow up pictures or videos that illustrate to help your understanding of what to expect.
Have you thought about how to protect your home's interior when you are busy improving it in a room close to another important gathering place in your home? Dust has a way of landing EVERYWHERE and traveling further than you ever thought possible! Let's begin there.
Of course this can have an impact on your physical health, especially your respiratory and visual health. However, it also impacts your emotional and mental health. The Demo phase is messy. There is no way to prevent that fact. Having your home torn apart while living in it is stressful! Yes, it is temporary and the results will be worth the inconvenience. However, it is a fact the homeowner must
factor in to their decisions.
In New England where many of our homes are 75 years old or older, we can run into specialized issues. I did in my Circa 1908 home remodeling our kitchen and bath. Improving one area should not impact another area negatively, right? The reality here is unique to the United States. In New England, where many of our homes were built decades: if not a century ago, horsehair plaster may be the way the walls were constructed. Have you ever broken into a wall made with it? Oh my, the fine dust is unbelievable! It can be impossible to capture if you are not prepared and ready to confine it. Even newer construction is messy, dusty, and unpleasant to work around or live in proximity to. So, what can be done to protect yourself, your family, pets, furniture and belongings?
Your best protection is a temporary wall made for the duration of the "dusty" phase. Plastic Sheeting to create dust barrier walls is a must! Any Contractor that takes pride in their professionalism and truly cares about the safety and health of you and your family will enclose the work area to confine the mess. They will also clean up daily before leaving the work site.
There is nothing like personal experience to help us understand what is important to your clients.
Honestly, as a Designer, I often discussed with my clients the need to be prepared realizing remodeling can be wonderful and exciting. It can also be stressful too. However, I did not know how stressful it could be until I remodeled my own kitchen and bath. Even knowing the process and inconvenience, I was not prepared for the days, I was just tired of my home being turned into a construction zone. It was worth it in the long run. It was still upsetting at times along the way.
Our repeat clients that contract with us for multiple projects do so based on our genuine care and concern for your project, your property, and your sanity. We would love to do the same for you!
There is a difference so it is important your award your project to a Contractor who keeps all of this in mind.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Did you know?
It occurs to me today , every blog post I do is about us doing kitchen or bath remodeling projects. I'm going to diversify today. There are endless projects homeowners need and want so please bare with me while I clue you in to the exciting truth of all Apple Wood can accomplish for you.
Did you know we do EVERYTHING? What? Really? Yes, really! I know that is uncommon. How can that be? Well, it is past time for me to let you know ANY need, interest, or improvement to your home inside or out can be accomplished here at Apple Wood Kitchen and Bath. Yes, it is true!
Apple Wood Kitchen and Bath was created only 4 years ago. Lenny and Lisa Santosuosso also own a General Contracting Home Building business (Apple Wood Construction). They opened it long before our Kitchen & Bath showroom existed.
Lenny went to a vocational high school to learn the construction trade. By the time Lenny was seventeen, he was an experienced carpenter and craftsman. The family pride in helping home owners has continued for generations in the Santosuosso family. Now, Lenny the fourth is learning the business along side his Dad. You gotta love that! I do !
In addition to our Design Build approach to kitchens and baths, Lenny is a new home builder. We
also do decks, additions, siding, windows, fireplaces, flooring, remove supporting walls to create open concept homes. If you want something done around the house chances are Apple Wood can do it for you.
Referral and repeat business is what all construction professionals hope for. Apple Wood thrives on repeat business. Once a homeowner experiences our design expertise and Lenny's craftsmanship, their wish list for home improvement projects expands. It is very common for our clients to tell us to get ready and prepare to get the thumbs up to do the bath, or kitchen, or a garage, or the deck next.
Think about the importance and value of working with a contractor who can do any and everything you want or need. It is extremely rare for one homeowner to afford every project they want to do all at the same time. However, to have the freedom to brainstorm and prioritize the current project keeping future ones in mind saves time, stress and money. Working with one company , hopefully Apple Wood, helps eliminate the issues that may arise hiring different companies for different projects.
So how did our Kitchen Bath Showroom come into being? Why is it what everyone associates Apple Wood with? Let me explain. When you are a General Contractor you are overseeing every component needed to build a complete home or business building. You build a team of sub contractors you trust , rely on and hire to build your clients home or business. The GC has to research, contact, and develop a working relationship with electricians, plumbers, roofers, siding companies, flooring, tile, and kitchen and bath designers and showrooms. The Contractor works hard to find synergistic partnerships with subs he can count on to be committed to the same level of quality he is. That can be quite a challenge.
Initially, Lenny endeavored to find Kitchen and Bath showrooms and professionals he was confident in. They needed to be ethical, dependable, organized, and detailed. They needed to have the same commitment to excellence Lenny has. After having difficulty finding someone to work the decision was made to open his own cabinet showroom. Too many compromises were happening working with outside Kitchen and Bath professionals and showrooms. That is how Apple Wood Kitchen and Bath was born. We have been much happier and so have our clients.
If there is any profession where being OCD and a perfectionist is a good thing, it is remodeling. In fact , I would go so far as to say, those attributes should be present in anyone remodeling homes.
Think about it. Remodeling an existing space is a combination of art, creativity, math , and craftsmanship. If any of those ingredients are missing, the results will be lacking.
I love working for the Santosouosso's for many reasons. They are people of their word, dependable, honest and excellent at their craft. Your project will be competitively priced, on budget, and on time. You will not be disappointed. I would be so bold to say, you will be a client for life.
Come see us and find out for yourself!
Did you know we do EVERYTHING? What? Really? Yes, really! I know that is uncommon. How can that be? Well, it is past time for me to let you know ANY need, interest, or improvement to your home inside or out can be accomplished here at Apple Wood Kitchen and Bath. Yes, it is true!
Apple Wood Kitchen and Bath was created only 4 years ago. Lenny and Lisa Santosuosso also own a General Contracting Home Building business (Apple Wood Construction). They opened it long before our Kitchen & Bath showroom existed.
Lenny went to a vocational high school to learn the construction trade. By the time Lenny was seventeen, he was an experienced carpenter and craftsman. The family pride in helping home owners has continued for generations in the Santosuosso family. Now, Lenny the fourth is learning the business along side his Dad. You gotta love that! I do !
In addition to our Design Build approach to kitchens and baths, Lenny is a new home builder. We
also do decks, additions, siding, windows, fireplaces, flooring, remove supporting walls to create open concept homes. If you want something done around the house chances are Apple Wood can do it for you.
Referral and repeat business is what all construction professionals hope for. Apple Wood thrives on repeat business. Once a homeowner experiences our design expertise and Lenny's craftsmanship, their wish list for home improvement projects expands. It is very common for our clients to tell us to get ready and prepare to get the thumbs up to do the bath, or kitchen, or a garage, or the deck next.
Think about the importance and value of working with a contractor who can do any and everything you want or need. It is extremely rare for one homeowner to afford every project they want to do all at the same time. However, to have the freedom to brainstorm and prioritize the current project keeping future ones in mind saves time, stress and money. Working with one company , hopefully Apple Wood, helps eliminate the issues that may arise hiring different companies for different projects.
So how did our Kitchen Bath Showroom come into being? Why is it what everyone associates Apple Wood with? Let me explain. When you are a General Contractor you are overseeing every component needed to build a complete home or business building. You build a team of sub contractors you trust , rely on and hire to build your clients home or business. The GC has to research, contact, and develop a working relationship with electricians, plumbers, roofers, siding companies, flooring, tile, and kitchen and bath designers and showrooms. The Contractor works hard to find synergistic partnerships with subs he can count on to be committed to the same level of quality he is. That can be quite a challenge.
Initially, Lenny endeavored to find Kitchen and Bath showrooms and professionals he was confident in. They needed to be ethical, dependable, organized, and detailed. They needed to have the same commitment to excellence Lenny has. After having difficulty finding someone to work the decision was made to open his own cabinet showroom. Too many compromises were happening working with outside Kitchen and Bath professionals and showrooms. That is how Apple Wood Kitchen and Bath was born. We have been much happier and so have our clients.
If there is any profession where being OCD and a perfectionist is a good thing, it is remodeling. In fact , I would go so far as to say, those attributes should be present in anyone remodeling homes.
Think about it. Remodeling an existing space is a combination of art, creativity, math , and craftsmanship. If any of those ingredients are missing, the results will be lacking.
I love working for the Santosouosso's for many reasons. They are people of their word, dependable, honest and excellent at their craft. Your project will be competitively priced, on budget, and on time. You will not be disappointed. I would be so bold to say, you will be a client for life.
Come see us and find out for yourself!
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Unusual Yet Convenient Items to Include
New England is filled with such variety. Especially, where homes are concerned. Since America began here long before we won our independence from England, we still have homes from the 1700's, even earlier in the late 1600s. I love the Post and Beam Construction of many of New Hampshire's early homes!
One of the fun things about a career in remodeling is seeing so many of these homes original kitchen hearths and bun ovens. I have designed and coordinated the installation of kitchen additions fortunate enough to "keep" the historical items in place while designing and building a new kitchen with all the conveniences of this century within the same room or very close by. These homes take the warmth and nostalgia of our rich history to a higher level. Being invited to special Holiday Events by the owners of an Historical Home is truly a special treat!
Many of these Historical Homes are in some of New Hampshire's cities, some in the country, or little villages between the two. We are surrounded with a rich tapestry of beauty homes of all sizes and design styles. The homes that happen to have acreage are especially beautiful. I love seeing gardens, horses, livestock, and the pets that belong. My purpose for this unusual topic and the title of this post
relates to those family members loved by all, our dogs.
Mud Rooms are an integral and important addition to New England homes. "Mud" being a very appropriate term, especially for homes with land, gardens, and animals to care for. Most animals do not enter the house. Dogs are the exception. I want to share some fairly new features many homeowners are considering and installing when remodeling these days. Function is key yet cabinet manufacturers, along with plumbers and tile designers and retailers have met a need very creatively! What could that be?
Let me set the scene. Often the mudroom is near the kitchen entrance and pantry or laundry area. These "necessary " rooms, especially in New England are set apart from the living or dining room areas where you socialize with friends and gather as a family. These functional areas are perfect for receiving the homeowner after working outside. Generally located near a back door and or the garage they help keep other rooms tidy, neat, and clean. Mud Room is the perfect description.
What special features are designed for this space? For awhile now, designing a wall or corner configuration of cabinets to hang coats, hats, scarves, gloves and umbrellas has become very popular.
Since our winters can be raw we are in need of multi layers of jackets to heavy coats, hats, gloves, the more room you can spare for this practical space, the better! Here are a couple of ideas my clients have found key.
1. Seating that functions as hidden storage is perfect. It gives you a place to sit for ease taking off
boots.
2. Tall cabinets to anchor cabinets on two walls meeting in a corner allow more hidden storage.
3. Wall Panels like Bead Board add a country rural feel. If your home is more formal a Raised or
Recessed Panel to match your kitchen cabinet doors works perfectly too. Picture the anchor Tall
Cabinets connected at the base to the seating cabinets. The wall panels connect it all finished off
with beautifully stained Solid Stock installed horizontally accessorized with sturdy coat hooks. The final touch being crown molding on the tall cabinets as well as the expanse of the solid stock trim.
4. If the square footage allows, some deep "Pots and Pans " Drawer bases are perfect for hat, scarf,
and gloves storage.
5. This is also a perfect place for some Trash and Recycling Cabinets.
6. A handy and convenient black board or bulletin board to keep track of dates for activities would be
a great addition too.
7. I have actually designed a work space with shelves into Mud Rooms occasionally. They became
excellent drop off points for the kids homework assignments , books , etc. The routine of knowing that is where everything is can help keep the kitchen counters and island less cluttered.
It may not be practical or possible to integrate all these options. It is a great idea to consider what would be best for your lifestyle.
Okay, are you ready for a fairly new trend? I think the practicality of it will win you over, if you have four legged family members, especially big dogs. Recently there has been an interest in a new focus in these rooms as well. It is a practical "luxury" that also keeps the rest of your home free and safe from dirt or mud being tracked in by your pets.
Building in a corner doggie shower is the new rage! People who have them do not know how they managed with out them before! What? A dog shower? Okay stay with me, I will explain.
Have you had to clean up your bathroom walls, tub, shower after "finally " breaking down and bathing your dog? Yeah, how did you like that?
Adding a shower pan in a corner of your mudroom, with tile extending up the walls 3 to 5 feet is a perfect dedicated place to bathe your pets , "BEFORE" they walk through your clean house with mud all over them or their feet. This is a mini shower with plumbing and a faucet you can extend to wash and rinse "Buddy" as you get all the yuck taken care of in one easy convenient place.
As I said , our clients who have them wonder why they did not think of this years ago! Just sayin!
One of the fun things about a career in remodeling is seeing so many of these homes original kitchen hearths and bun ovens. I have designed and coordinated the installation of kitchen additions fortunate enough to "keep" the historical items in place while designing and building a new kitchen with all the conveniences of this century within the same room or very close by. These homes take the warmth and nostalgia of our rich history to a higher level. Being invited to special Holiday Events by the owners of an Historical Home is truly a special treat!
Many of these Historical Homes are in some of New Hampshire's cities, some in the country, or little villages between the two. We are surrounded with a rich tapestry of beauty homes of all sizes and design styles. The homes that happen to have acreage are especially beautiful. I love seeing gardens, horses, livestock, and the pets that belong. My purpose for this unusual topic and the title of this post
relates to those family members loved by all, our dogs.
Mud Rooms are an integral and important addition to New England homes. "Mud" being a very appropriate term, especially for homes with land, gardens, and animals to care for. Most animals do not enter the house. Dogs are the exception. I want to share some fairly new features many homeowners are considering and installing when remodeling these days. Function is key yet cabinet manufacturers, along with plumbers and tile designers and retailers have met a need very creatively! What could that be?
Let me set the scene. Often the mudroom is near the kitchen entrance and pantry or laundry area. These "necessary " rooms, especially in New England are set apart from the living or dining room areas where you socialize with friends and gather as a family. These functional areas are perfect for receiving the homeowner after working outside. Generally located near a back door and or the garage they help keep other rooms tidy, neat, and clean. Mud Room is the perfect description.
What special features are designed for this space? For awhile now, designing a wall or corner configuration of cabinets to hang coats, hats, scarves, gloves and umbrellas has become very popular.
Since our winters can be raw we are in need of multi layers of jackets to heavy coats, hats, gloves, the more room you can spare for this practical space, the better! Here are a couple of ideas my clients have found key.
1. Seating that functions as hidden storage is perfect. It gives you a place to sit for ease taking off
boots.
2. Tall cabinets to anchor cabinets on two walls meeting in a corner allow more hidden storage.
3. Wall Panels like Bead Board add a country rural feel. If your home is more formal a Raised or
Recessed Panel to match your kitchen cabinet doors works perfectly too. Picture the anchor Tall
Cabinets connected at the base to the seating cabinets. The wall panels connect it all finished off
with beautifully stained Solid Stock installed horizontally accessorized with sturdy coat hooks. The final touch being crown molding on the tall cabinets as well as the expanse of the solid stock trim.
4. If the square footage allows, some deep "Pots and Pans " Drawer bases are perfect for hat, scarf,
and gloves storage.
5. This is also a perfect place for some Trash and Recycling Cabinets.
6. A handy and convenient black board or bulletin board to keep track of dates for activities would be
a great addition too.
7. I have actually designed a work space with shelves into Mud Rooms occasionally. They became
excellent drop off points for the kids homework assignments , books , etc. The routine of knowing that is where everything is can help keep the kitchen counters and island less cluttered.
It may not be practical or possible to integrate all these options. It is a great idea to consider what would be best for your lifestyle.
Okay, are you ready for a fairly new trend? I think the practicality of it will win you over, if you have four legged family members, especially big dogs. Recently there has been an interest in a new focus in these rooms as well. It is a practical "luxury" that also keeps the rest of your home free and safe from dirt or mud being tracked in by your pets.
Building in a corner doggie shower is the new rage! People who have them do not know how they managed with out them before! What? A dog shower? Okay stay with me, I will explain.
Have you had to clean up your bathroom walls, tub, shower after "finally " breaking down and bathing your dog? Yeah, how did you like that?
Adding a shower pan in a corner of your mudroom, with tile extending up the walls 3 to 5 feet is a perfect dedicated place to bathe your pets , "BEFORE" they walk through your clean house with mud all over them or their feet. This is a mini shower with plumbing and a faucet you can extend to wash and rinse "Buddy" as you get all the yuck taken care of in one easy convenient place.
As I said , our clients who have them wonder why they did not think of this years ago! Just sayin!
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Storage Solutions in Larger Kitchens
Today lets talk about some very convenient storage solutions for your larger kitchen.
Spacious Kitchens are a wonderful luxury. They make us feel pampered, blessed, and excited about all the people who can easily gather in the heart of our home! So are there any negatives?
Well, the answer is yes. Maybe the sink counter area or cooking prep area is way across the room from the Professional sized Sub Zero Refrigerator. ( or other high end brand ). It is time to make sandwiches or dice veggies for dinner. There is a creative solution.
Remember the pots and pans drawers we explored a few weeks ago? I bet you may not know there are refrigerator drawers that can be installed in your island next to a prep sink. Storing your vegetables in one of these drawers is perfect. They are massive compared to the normal crisper drawer. Produce remains fresher because it is not subjected to continual changes in temperature caused by the opening of the main refrigerator doors. You can select drawers to stack vertically or horizontally. How about one for the produce and the second dedicated to sandwich ingredients?
Right next to these drawers is the perfect place for a couple of other handy practical cabinets. A pull out 15 to 24 inch wide Double Trash Container Cabinet makes life easier. We talked about pull out 3 to 6 " filler width units perfect to hold spices, vinegar, or oils to store, last week. If more space is needed for the same items, they are also available in 9 to 18 inch pullout cabinets. The larger ones are food items needed on a daily basis.
In the baking area near your ovens, tray cabinets are perfect! These cabinets come slotted to protect your serving platters or trays from banging into one another. They are also great to hold cookie sheets etc. Again, you may only have room or need for a 6 to 9 inch wide tray cabinet. However if you have multiple platters or baking trays you can utilize 12 to 24 inch, or wider to secure whatever space you need. Pulling out a single platter or tray is so much better than trying to access one stacked inside a cabinet. Doesn't it always seem like the one you want is on the bottom of that stack?
It is very convenient in a large kitchen to have a wall of tall cabinets for food storage that may supplement a walk in pantry. Or you may add that wall of tall cabinets "in" the pantry area. Cabinets with roll out shelves are perfect for pantry food storage. Plus once again the "Pull Out " or " Sliding Pantry" Cabinet option is available in Tall Cabinets as well. These cabinets pull straight out and everything on the shelves is seen and accessible quickly from both sides. The inner hardware used guarantee pulling out the entire door attached to the shelving happens smoothly. Surprisingly so!
Last but certainly not least is interior dividers you can add to all the drawers in your kitchen. The configurations can be custom designed creating a place for every item. Then "every item in its place" is a snap.
We have lots of drawings and pictures with all the details if you are excited about the MOST organized functional kitchen you have ever dreamt of! We are here to listen to your specific and personal needs and wish list!
Spacious Kitchens are a wonderful luxury. They make us feel pampered, blessed, and excited about all the people who can easily gather in the heart of our home! So are there any negatives?
Well, the answer is yes. Maybe the sink counter area or cooking prep area is way across the room from the Professional sized Sub Zero Refrigerator. ( or other high end brand ). It is time to make sandwiches or dice veggies for dinner. There is a creative solution.
Remember the pots and pans drawers we explored a few weeks ago? I bet you may not know there are refrigerator drawers that can be installed in your island next to a prep sink. Storing your vegetables in one of these drawers is perfect. They are massive compared to the normal crisper drawer. Produce remains fresher because it is not subjected to continual changes in temperature caused by the opening of the main refrigerator doors. You can select drawers to stack vertically or horizontally. How about one for the produce and the second dedicated to sandwich ingredients?
Right next to these drawers is the perfect place for a couple of other handy practical cabinets. A pull out 15 to 24 inch wide Double Trash Container Cabinet makes life easier. We talked about pull out 3 to 6 " filler width units perfect to hold spices, vinegar, or oils to store, last week. If more space is needed for the same items, they are also available in 9 to 18 inch pullout cabinets. The larger ones are food items needed on a daily basis.
In the baking area near your ovens, tray cabinets are perfect! These cabinets come slotted to protect your serving platters or trays from banging into one another. They are also great to hold cookie sheets etc. Again, you may only have room or need for a 6 to 9 inch wide tray cabinet. However if you have multiple platters or baking trays you can utilize 12 to 24 inch, or wider to secure whatever space you need. Pulling out a single platter or tray is so much better than trying to access one stacked inside a cabinet. Doesn't it always seem like the one you want is on the bottom of that stack?
It is very convenient in a large kitchen to have a wall of tall cabinets for food storage that may supplement a walk in pantry. Or you may add that wall of tall cabinets "in" the pantry area. Cabinets with roll out shelves are perfect for pantry food storage. Plus once again the "Pull Out " or " Sliding Pantry" Cabinet option is available in Tall Cabinets as well. These cabinets pull straight out and everything on the shelves is seen and accessible quickly from both sides. The inner hardware used guarantee pulling out the entire door attached to the shelving happens smoothly. Surprisingly so!
Last but certainly not least is interior dividers you can add to all the drawers in your kitchen. The configurations can be custom designed creating a place for every item. Then "every item in its place" is a snap.
We have lots of drawings and pictures with all the details if you are excited about the MOST organized functional kitchen you have ever dreamt of! We are here to listen to your specific and personal needs and wish list!
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Open Counter Tops with Plenty of Space
What exactly is an Appliance Garage Cabinet?
It is a cabinet that extends down to your counter top. It is typically 18, 24, 27, even 30 inches wide if you have enough wall space. The average is 24 inches wide and 15 to 18" deep. Your mixer, toaster, blender, food processor, etc "park " in this great space when not in use. There can be roll up doors or two full overlay doors to close all of these tools away and out of view!
If your kitchen is large enough to include one of these, you will love the convenience of tucking all of the small appliances cluttering your current counter top. Oh, I would love one of these!
There are other "to the counter" cabinets that add design as well as function to both your kitchen and bath project. They may be a taller cabinet with one to three drawers resting on the counter. The cabinet above the drawers is a perfect application for a focal point in the room. It makes a great statement with a glass door. Then it is perfect as a display cabinet with a finished interior. Most people do not need the old fashioned China Cabinet in the Dining Room our mothers treasured. In fact displaying a full set of china dinnerware and matching serving dishes is rarely seen these days.
However, a 18, 24, or 27" to the counter cabinet is perfect to store those "special place settings " used occasionally. The drawers below can be accessorized with special dividers perfect for fine silver cutlery. Another possible space , though not as easily accessed for your Holiday finery is 12 to 15 " high cabinets stacked on top of the 30" to 36" wall cabinets you select. Yes, you will need a step stool to access the dishes. However if you like the drama of lighted cabinets , these are a good source of light for function as well as drama.
What about the microwave? Maybe you prefer a separate unit rather than the Microwave Hood mounted over your cook top. If you want to get it off the counter top too, a Drawer Microwave tucks in with your base cabinets. They have soft close technology, just like the drawers to your cabinets. They are very easily accessed and perfect for use by kids.
Other cabinets that are very practical and also add a pop of design as an accessory are great places to tuck away cooking utensils, spices, medications, oils and even some smaller cleaning supplies. Often 3 to 6 inch fillers are necessary to help your base or wall cabinet runs fit mathematically. You can use just a filler. If you select that the space behind it has no function. You may want to have your designer add pull out fillers to creatively store items that will make the function in your space complete.
These hidden away jewels are also available as special decorative accessories. Called Pull Out Fillers or Posts they really make your kitchen "pop". Another 6" selection are spice drawers> I love these! If your taste is traditional , country, or rustic these very functional cubical looking drawers are wonderful. I love to place them next to a sink base to hold dish towels, supplements, or medications.
If next to a stove, they are perfect for cooking spatulas, spoons, knives, and whisks. Small items like Baking soda, baking powder, spices that get hidden behind larger food items fit in these drawers perfectly.
The pull outs are also available with two shelves. Next to the cooking center, stove are of your kitchen, they hold oils, spices, and cooking utensils tucked into special buckets that fit in holes drilled into the top shelf. Other practical storage ideas are tray cabinets close to the oven/ baking area of your kitchen. You will probably find a minimum of a 9 to 12 " cabinet is best to hold trays and baking sheets.
Are you salivating dreaming about all the wonderful ways of adding both beauty and functionality? We love to help you discover what works best for your life style. Come brainstorm with us.
It is a cabinet that extends down to your counter top. It is typically 18, 24, 27, even 30 inches wide if you have enough wall space. The average is 24 inches wide and 15 to 18" deep. Your mixer, toaster, blender, food processor, etc "park " in this great space when not in use. There can be roll up doors or two full overlay doors to close all of these tools away and out of view!
If your kitchen is large enough to include one of these, you will love the convenience of tucking all of the small appliances cluttering your current counter top. Oh, I would love one of these!
There are other "to the counter" cabinets that add design as well as function to both your kitchen and bath project. They may be a taller cabinet with one to three drawers resting on the counter. The cabinet above the drawers is a perfect application for a focal point in the room. It makes a great statement with a glass door. Then it is perfect as a display cabinet with a finished interior. Most people do not need the old fashioned China Cabinet in the Dining Room our mothers treasured. In fact displaying a full set of china dinnerware and matching serving dishes is rarely seen these days.
However, a 18, 24, or 27" to the counter cabinet is perfect to store those "special place settings " used occasionally. The drawers below can be accessorized with special dividers perfect for fine silver cutlery. Another possible space , though not as easily accessed for your Holiday finery is 12 to 15 " high cabinets stacked on top of the 30" to 36" wall cabinets you select. Yes, you will need a step stool to access the dishes. However if you like the drama of lighted cabinets , these are a good source of light for function as well as drama.
What about the microwave? Maybe you prefer a separate unit rather than the Microwave Hood mounted over your cook top. If you want to get it off the counter top too, a Drawer Microwave tucks in with your base cabinets. They have soft close technology, just like the drawers to your cabinets. They are very easily accessed and perfect for use by kids.
Other cabinets that are very practical and also add a pop of design as an accessory are great places to tuck away cooking utensils, spices, medications, oils and even some smaller cleaning supplies. Often 3 to 6 inch fillers are necessary to help your base or wall cabinet runs fit mathematically. You can use just a filler. If you select that the space behind it has no function. You may want to have your designer add pull out fillers to creatively store items that will make the function in your space complete.
These hidden away jewels are also available as special decorative accessories. Called Pull Out Fillers or Posts they really make your kitchen "pop". Another 6" selection are spice drawers> I love these! If your taste is traditional , country, or rustic these very functional cubical looking drawers are wonderful. I love to place them next to a sink base to hold dish towels, supplements, or medications.
If next to a stove, they are perfect for cooking spatulas, spoons, knives, and whisks. Small items like Baking soda, baking powder, spices that get hidden behind larger food items fit in these drawers perfectly.
The pull outs are also available with two shelves. Next to the cooking center, stove are of your kitchen, they hold oils, spices, and cooking utensils tucked into special buckets that fit in holes drilled into the top shelf. Other practical storage ideas are tray cabinets close to the oven/ baking area of your kitchen. You will probably find a minimum of a 9 to 12 " cabinet is best to hold trays and baking sheets.
Are you salivating dreaming about all the wonderful ways of adding both beauty and functionality? We love to help you discover what works best for your life style. Come brainstorm with us.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Dedicated Cabinets and Accessories
Remember the pots and pans drawer we talked about last week? In my opinion, as a designer for twenty plus years, Pots and Pan Drawers may have impacted changing the functionality of kitchen's! I know there have been many innovations. However, this type of cabinet has simplified life for countless homeowners. Here is why I love them.
Historically pots and pans were tucked into those blind corner cabinets. Usually these dysfunctional
cabinets were the largest, yet most impractical use of space. They were typically placed next to the stove and extended around the corner to the sink. Then this scenario happened everywhere, " Where is that pan? I know I put it in here! " As an adult, you needed to get one of your young kids to crawl in looking for whatever was lost inside. Or, you had to be a contortionist with a flashlight to find the pot or pan needed!.
There are internal accessories called "swing-out shelves" now that make the blind corner cabinet a little more functional. However, in my opinion, a corner cabinet with a full base and an upper half shelf or a corner Lazy Susan cabinet is superior. Both can be utilized for food. The second option is perfect to store pots and pans. However, my vote for the best goes to the Pots and Pans drawers! They are either two deep drawers or a three drawer model with a top shallow drawer and two deep drawers below. The top drawer is a wonderful place to store cooking utensils, hot pads, & cutting boards. Interior accessories are available to divide the width and depth of this spacious drawer. That creates defined categories to hold everything you need in one convenient drawer!
The typical base cabinet with stationary shelves works fine. Or you can add roll out shelves to the interior of the base cabinet. However, to access what you need requires opening the cabinet doors and pulling the shelves out. Why not reduce the effort to one movement, just opening the drawer
The bottom drawers are deep enough to store big deep pasta pots, every size pot or pan you need, and heavy skillets. It is surprising how much weight these drawers manage and still operate with soft close features. The construction on glides is strong and purposely designed for weighty items.
There are two other options as well. These drawers are strong enough to hold dinnerware if you choose. There are plate holder accessories designed to stack all your dishes too. Storing your dinnerware in the base cabinets allows the wall cabinets to be available for more creative use. Glass doors with lit finished interiors are beautiful focal points as well as functional. Would you like to display favorite family heirlooms or special trays, glassware or specialty dishes? Storing breakfast foods close to your refrigerator for convenience is great when there are some wall cabinets free from storing your everyday dinnerware.
Clean open expanses of your counter top makes your kitchen look bigger, cleaner, and more inviting!
Small appliances, docked charging stations, dish drainers, and other various kitchen necessities can dramatically minimize counter space needed to prepare and cook. I find a clean clear counter relaxes me when I enter my kitchen. I happen to have a smaller kitchen. One of the inconveniences of that is needing to combine "charging areas" for our electronics with either the cooking or cleaning centers of my counter top. Ugh!
One of the newer innovations addressing this issue, is another favorite. It is called a Docking Drawer. This great functional cabinet drawer will eliminate unsightly clutter. How many devices end up being charged on your kitchen counter now? Probably a few, correct? Docking Drawers are a popular addition to our remodeling projects. They completely eliminate the headache of electronic clutter and endless tangled cords! This practical choice takes all your devices, tucks them neatly into a tidy drawer. Your counter space can be completely free for food prep and cooking.
Having a place to "park " mixers, blenders, food processors frees up counter space as well.
It can also become a unique and beautiful focal point in your kitchen. Next week we will discuss these efficient cabinets and other specialty selections that make your kitchen truly organized!
Monday, October 31, 2016
Function and Storage in Smaller Kitchens
My kitchen is so small! How can I get the most storage space possible?
This is the challenge many New England homeowners face. New home construction has typically increased the size of kitchens and their functionality. Yet, that is not always the case. However, a huge percentage of population still live in neighborhoods filled with Capes, smaller Ranch or Raised Ranch homes. Even Victorians and New Englander home's often have a very small amount of square feet devoted to the kitchen.
What is the solution? Kitchen additions are ideal if you have the capitol to invest. It is a good investment that does add value to your home. However, that is not realistic for many. Thinking creatively and strategically is imperative when remodeling your kitchen in the same space the old one is in. This is where innovation in the cabinet industry steps in to solve so many issues.
Let's begin with discussing what is available in cabinets:
Every square inch of space can be useful. You need to think about utilizing all your vertical space as well as the horizontal run of cabinets along the walls of your kitchen. If you are fortunate to have tall ceilings you have great potential storage space you may not have considered before. All of us have those items we need for holidays and special events. Only items used daily or multiple times a week need to be within your immediate reach.
Vertical storage space is accomplished by maximizing the height of your wall cabinets. Installing these cabinets all the way to the ceiling adds valuable storage. You can accomplish this by stacking cabinets or utilizing those tall enough to reach your kitchen ceiling. You can add a beautiful design touch too if you add lighting to the top wall cabinet stacked on the main lower cabinet.
I know what you are thinking. "How inconvenient! I can't reach those top cabinets!" Keep in mind we are brainstorming to create storage within your kitchen footprint so that you do not have to go to your basement or other house "storage " area to get the dish or pan you need. Step stools are your friend and very useful to retrieve anything stored over your head. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter platters and special dishes are perfectly stored in these ceiling height cabinets. Anything you need to store that is not used on a regular basis is perfect to be put in these cabinets.
Typical walls cabinet range in the 30, 33. and 36" high category. However, with our custom lines 39 to 60" cabinets are available. Storing the items used often in the lower part of the taller wall cabinets leaves storage room for the items needed occasionally. If you include a peninsula in your kitchen adding a tall cabinet reaching to the ceiling with one to three drawers at the base of it is perfect for cutlery for eating on the peninsula. Or storing supplies to do homework or bill paying is optimal as well.
If you do not have a dedicated pantry, there are tall cabinets of various styles you can utilize as your pantry. Similar cabinets are also available for broom closets if needed.
There are two very important changes in kitchen cabinet design, especially for corner cabinets or drawer base cabinets. These two innovations have dramatically improved function in small kitchens.
The old "Blind Corner Cabinet" has been reinvented." Blind " is the perfect word to describe this cabinet. Typically it is the black hole where anything placed in it gets pushed back so far it is irretrievable. There are some interior accessory solutions. We will cover that topic next week.
Large Corner Cabinets which are very roomy have replaced the blind corners. They are available with stationary shelves and Lazy Susan's. Nothing gets lost in these cabinets. Everything is in view and the storage capacity is ample.
The other great innovation are wide Pots and Pans Drawer bases. I LOVE these! They are the most versatile cabinets. Yes, they are strong enough to hold your heavy pots and pans. They are also great
places to store dishes or food normally kept in the pantry. The convenience of simply pulling out drawers that are fully extended to access anything you need is awesome. Everything in the drawer is visible and easily accessed. Typical drawer bases are 12 to 18 inches wide. The 3 Drawer Bases measuring 24 to 42 inches wide will hold much more than two of the typical drawers.
Sometimes a smaller cabinet dedicated to a particular use can be the most functional space saving cabinet in your kitchen. I am suggesting pull out 3 to 9 inch cabinets.They may be a base or wall cabinet application. These cabinets are perfect for storing those small items that get lost in bigger cabinets. Spices, medication, specialty utensils are items best stored in these unique space savers. The three and six inch wide ones have a multi use if your kitchen needs to utilize fillers. The filler can actually be a storage space.
I hope these suggestions help you realize any kitchen can be improved and made more functional.
It is all about information and choices. Next week we will discuss the accessories available for the interior of the cabinets mentioned today.
This is the challenge many New England homeowners face. New home construction has typically increased the size of kitchens and their functionality. Yet, that is not always the case. However, a huge percentage of population still live in neighborhoods filled with Capes, smaller Ranch or Raised Ranch homes. Even Victorians and New Englander home's often have a very small amount of square feet devoted to the kitchen.
What is the solution? Kitchen additions are ideal if you have the capitol to invest. It is a good investment that does add value to your home. However, that is not realistic for many. Thinking creatively and strategically is imperative when remodeling your kitchen in the same space the old one is in. This is where innovation in the cabinet industry steps in to solve so many issues.
Let's begin with discussing what is available in cabinets:
Every square inch of space can be useful. You need to think about utilizing all your vertical space as well as the horizontal run of cabinets along the walls of your kitchen. If you are fortunate to have tall ceilings you have great potential storage space you may not have considered before. All of us have those items we need for holidays and special events. Only items used daily or multiple times a week need to be within your immediate reach.
Vertical storage space is accomplished by maximizing the height of your wall cabinets. Installing these cabinets all the way to the ceiling adds valuable storage. You can accomplish this by stacking cabinets or utilizing those tall enough to reach your kitchen ceiling. You can add a beautiful design touch too if you add lighting to the top wall cabinet stacked on the main lower cabinet.
I know what you are thinking. "How inconvenient! I can't reach those top cabinets!" Keep in mind we are brainstorming to create storage within your kitchen footprint so that you do not have to go to your basement or other house "storage " area to get the dish or pan you need. Step stools are your friend and very useful to retrieve anything stored over your head. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter platters and special dishes are perfectly stored in these ceiling height cabinets. Anything you need to store that is not used on a regular basis is perfect to be put in these cabinets.
Typical walls cabinet range in the 30, 33. and 36" high category. However, with our custom lines 39 to 60" cabinets are available. Storing the items used often in the lower part of the taller wall cabinets leaves storage room for the items needed occasionally. If you include a peninsula in your kitchen adding a tall cabinet reaching to the ceiling with one to three drawers at the base of it is perfect for cutlery for eating on the peninsula. Or storing supplies to do homework or bill paying is optimal as well.
If you do not have a dedicated pantry, there are tall cabinets of various styles you can utilize as your pantry. Similar cabinets are also available for broom closets if needed.
There are two very important changes in kitchen cabinet design, especially for corner cabinets or drawer base cabinets. These two innovations have dramatically improved function in small kitchens.
The old "Blind Corner Cabinet" has been reinvented." Blind " is the perfect word to describe this cabinet. Typically it is the black hole where anything placed in it gets pushed back so far it is irretrievable. There are some interior accessory solutions. We will cover that topic next week.
Large Corner Cabinets which are very roomy have replaced the blind corners. They are available with stationary shelves and Lazy Susan's. Nothing gets lost in these cabinets. Everything is in view and the storage capacity is ample.
The other great innovation are wide Pots and Pans Drawer bases. I LOVE these! They are the most versatile cabinets. Yes, they are strong enough to hold your heavy pots and pans. They are also great
places to store dishes or food normally kept in the pantry. The convenience of simply pulling out drawers that are fully extended to access anything you need is awesome. Everything in the drawer is visible and easily accessed. Typical drawer bases are 12 to 18 inches wide. The 3 Drawer Bases measuring 24 to 42 inches wide will hold much more than two of the typical drawers.
Sometimes a smaller cabinet dedicated to a particular use can be the most functional space saving cabinet in your kitchen. I am suggesting pull out 3 to 9 inch cabinets.They may be a base or wall cabinet application. These cabinets are perfect for storing those small items that get lost in bigger cabinets. Spices, medication, specialty utensils are items best stored in these unique space savers. The three and six inch wide ones have a multi use if your kitchen needs to utilize fillers. The filler can actually be a storage space.
I hope these suggestions help you realize any kitchen can be improved and made more functional.
It is all about information and choices. Next week we will discuss the accessories available for the interior of the cabinets mentioned today.
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